Maria Callas, devil of Tasmania and whales, the 8 science news that you must know this November 30

– The stars are eternal, the proof! An incredible show is going to take place tonight on the stage of the Salle Pleyel, in Paris: a concert given by none other than Maria Callas … or rather her hologram. With a surprising realism, the virtual Diva will interpret all its greatest classics. The opportunity to revive the singer for an evening, 41 years after his death.

– A strange stone mask was discovered in Jerusalem. More than 9000 years old, it was carved out of limestone with pink and yellow hues. Perforations all around suggest that it was made to be worn or exhibited. According to scientists, this mask was used as part of an ancestor cult. Traces of pigments were also detected, suggesting that the mask was probably painted.

– For the first time, an independent study has estimated the cost of managing road traffic-related diseases. In Europe, car pollution would cost more than 60 billion euros in health costs every year. Diesel would account for as much as 80% of pollution-related illnesses.

– Several centuries of history have just been revealed in Italy. Thanks to laser technology and 3D imaging, researchers have been able to probe the foundations of the Roman basilica of Saint-Jean-de-Latran. Several centuries before the construction of the building, the site would have served as the headquarters of Emperor Constantine I. It is a whole part of the history of the city of Rome that has remained hidden for centuries under the basilica.

– Norwegian scientists will receive a Christmas gift: a billionaire will finance the construction of the largest scientific ship in the world. At once ecological and luxurious, but also resistant to icebergs, it will have all the latest exploration equipment. The ship will be able to carry more than 60 researchers to study the marine ecosystem. He should go to sea in 2021.

– Good news for Tasmanian devils: a genetic mutation would be dramatically reducing the cancerous tumors that decimated the species. For 20 years, the disease has spread very quickly causing the death of 80% of animals. According to scientists, the study of this genetic mutation could have consequences for the treatment of cancer in humans, as well as other mammals.

– Will we soon be able to read the thoughts of our neighbors? This is suggested by a recent study, which has shown that it is now possible to read the thoughts of a rat. Scientists have been able to predict rodent movement by observing its neuronal activity. They even were able to predict when the rat was going to go wrong.

– Researchers have conducted a surprising study: to measure the stress of whales, they have closely analyzed their ear wax. Earwax accumulates throughout the life of the cetacean, and its composition speaks volumes about its periods of stress. By measuring cortisol levels, scientists were able to detect the effects of major events such as the Second World War. According to their results, the most intense sources of stress for whales would be periods of intensive fishing.

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